JOHN L. THOMAS SR. - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/22/1879 - HFSID 87035

JOHN L. THOMAS SR.

The collector pens a letter to an admirer thanking him for his requesting his autograph, signed in iron gall ink

Autograph Letter Signed: "John L. Thomas Sr." in iron gall ink. 5x8, folded. 10x8, flat.  One page. Written on official Custom House, Baltimore, Md., letterhead. In full: "November 22, 1879. Mr. Addison Allen. My dear Sir. In reply to your favor, asking for my autograph I have the honor to subscribe and reply. Must truly, Your obedient servant, John L. Thomas Sr. Collector." John L. Thomas Sr. merits for the research but is the father of John L. Thomas Jr. [not signing] (1835-1893), who was born in Baltimore, Maryland and at an early age he moved to Cumberland, Maryland with his family, and received his general education in a private academy. He held the post of Baltimore City Solicitor from 1863 to 1865; however, this was interrupted upon his election to Congress in which he served one term until 1867. In 1868 John was delegate to the National Republican Convention and in 1869 he received the choice political appointment as Collector of the Port of Baltimore. He remained there until 1873 and was reappointed in 1877 after serving as chairman of the Republican State Central/Committee during Rutherford B. Hayes' campaign for President. He was removed from the position again in 1882 for political reasons. During his political career he practiced law and was a frequent contributor, especially of travel accounts, to local newspapers. After his death some of his possessions were donated to the Maryland Historical Society, for the use of society. Lightly toned. Normal mailing folds. Pencil notations on verso (unknown hand). Mounting residue on verso. Slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.